Although we live in Tennessee, I am really distressed with the new park reservation system. I understand that in addition to to the increased campsite fees, they also add on another $7.00 just for the reservation service. If the money was going into the park system for campground maintenance and upgrades it would be great, but the parks will probably not get any of it, just the politicians pockets. So, for us, bye-bye State Parks, hello private Campgrounds. BTW, if you have Passport America, there are a number of PA campgrounds that are a lot cheaper than the State parks now. One of them has been rated as one of the best in the south by the one of the associations.

The reservation companies charge a fee to make the reservation. To maintain the revenue without raising the rates, you pay the reservation fee. The solution is to show up at the gate and take what is available and you won't pay the fee.

Get over it there is no free lunch. Either the camper pays or the taxpayer pays to maintain public parks.
States have decided to cut cost and subcontract the reservation systems.
Campers must pay there own way vs. taking a taxpayer subsidy. If this is what it takes to keep state parks open I don't see a problem.
If it makes you feel better private parks are charging for all their services as well.

My favorite, Fall Creek Falls State Park still has first come, first served sites. Then too, you can make reservations a year in advance. It would be hard to match a site in a private CG that will compare with the features of FCF for $25 a night. The $7 res. fee is no problem for me. If you stay a week, that's just a dollar a night.